jump scare

noun

variants or less commonly jump-scare or jumpscare
plural jump scares also jump-scares or jumpscares
: a scripted moment (as in a film or video game) intended to startle the audience
The biggest jolts in "The Omen" … come from conventionally staged jump scares, where a nasty image suddenly flashes on the screen accompanied by a startling sound effect.Li Wang
… differentiates itself from other VR [=virtual reality] horror games by not resorting to cheap jump-scares, instead flexing its brilliant visuals to build an atmospheric sense of foreboding.Chris Button

Examples of jump scare in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His work focuses on interpersonal struggles, not J-horror jump scares. Blake Simons, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 Apart from the reflex response to a jump scare, the purpose of almost any horror movie is to disturb you. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2025 But despite its title, Hysteria never resorts to jump scares and is definitely not a slasher flick. Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Feb. 2025 We are then hit with two jump scares from Jesse’s past. Brian Moylan, Vulture, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for jump scare

Word History

First Known Use

1986, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jump scare was in 1986

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Cite this Entry

“Jump scare.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jump%20scare. Accessed 28 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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